Edward A. Gonet, Jr., 71, of Fairhaven died November 11, 2021 at home.
He was a loving single father who raised three children and had nine grandchildren. Born in
New Bedford, son of the late Edward A. and Lucy P. (Mosakowski) Gonet, he lived in Fairhaven most of his life.
He was formerly employed as a relay engineer at Eversource for 38 years until his retirement.
He attended SMU College of Engineering.
Mr. Gonet or "Big Ed" as he was known loved spending time and sharing stories with family and friends. He always met new people wherever he went, and his welcoming personality made strangers feel as if they were old friends. He was proud of his Polish heritage and enjoyed Polish food.
He would catch people off guard with his witty sense of humor. People would always be
"roaring" with laughter after an encounter with him.
Some of his stories originated from one of his favorite trips to Woodstock in 1969.
Big Ed loved being told "what to do." He loved riding motorcycles. He took pride in maintaining his yard and property. He spent lots of time chatting with friends in his barn.
He and family/friends share many memories by his famous campfires. Whether it was a hot summer day or freezing winter evening, there was always a campfire lit at the Gonet household.
After a job at Pa Raffa's during his youth, he has always loved their meatballs and pizza. He spent time at Giammalvo's Market and ordered a "Yunyon" sandwich.
As a 5 Gallon Blood Donor, he always enjoyed giving back to the community and helping others.
Survivors include his 3 sons, Edward A. Gonet III and his wife Alison, James Gonet and his wife Sarah, all of Fairhaven, Kristofer Gonet and his wife Jessica of Shohola Falls, PA; a brother, Michael Gonet of Arlington, VA; a sister, Susan Oliveira of Rehoboth; 9 grandchildren, Edward A. Gonet IV, Emerson Gonet, Eden Gonet, Katie Day Gonet, Celia Gonet, Cyrus Gonet, Finley Gonet, Lucy Gonet, and Benjamin Gonet; and nephew, Lance Oliveira of Rehobeth.
His funeral will be held on Monday, November 15th at 8:45 AM from the Saunders-Dwyer
Mattapoisett Home for Funerals, 50 County Rd. (Rt. 6), Mattapoisett, followed by his Funeral Mass at St. Mary's Church in Fairhaven at 10 AM. Burial will follow in Pine Grove Cemetery. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, November 14th, from 2-6 PM.